SS - Desert Rose #3: COMPLETED Pg 25

Chapter 27

Zoya jumped up with joy as she ran towards her brother and Shaina. Shaina looked absolutely beautiful, she had an amazing glow 'marriage definitely suits you' she whispered against her ear making her blush even more. After settling in and meeting everyone Prince Farhaan sat back with Zoya 'I was thinking that once we have come back from our holiday we can come to visit you for a while' 'I would like that very much Bhaijaan...can it be after the spring break?' 'Spring...in April?' 'Yes...I want to go on a field trip' Farhaan looked at her 'a field trip' 'oh come on Bhaijaan, you know I can look after myself...please' 'ok fine...' 'no...no Anwar either...no offence Anwar' she quickly said looking back at him. Anwar gave her a faint smile and nod 'you knew what I was going to say' 'of course I did...I know you very well' 'ok, go...' Zoya gave him a hug, as Farhaan held her face he shot back 'Zoya...you have a fever' Zoya rolled her eyes 'not you too Bhaijaan, Ali has already been chasing me all day with his medicines and stethoscope' Prince Farhaan stood up 'Ali' he called out 'Bhaijaan I am ok' Farhaan held his hand up, which meant, well in Zoya's language it meant shut up and don't talk.

Seeing his serious demeanour Shaina and Ammar came up to him too 'Farhaan, is everything ok?' Shaina asked 'Where is Ali?' 'He is...um...just there...Ali, come' Shaina said quickly.

As Ali came running up to him Farhaan turned towards him 'Zoya has a fever, she told me you have been trying to look after her' Ali started laughing 'trying yes...succeeding no, she won't let me near her' 'well she will now...can you please take care of her, I want her fit and healthy by tomorrow' 'yes, of course...come on Princess time to play doctor doctor' Zoya rolled her eyes and then started laughing.

By Tuesday Zoya was feeling a lot better so was up and ready for her brothers Walima. The Walima went as expected; the whole of the Palace was rejoicing the marriage of its Prince, the nearby towns and people were lavished with food and gifts in honour of Prince Farhaan's wedding.

With the majority of the guests gone Zoya was able to spend time with Shaina and her brother before she flew back to America 'I am really going to miss you Zoya' 'me too...but start missing me after you come back from your honeymoon' Shaina started laughing 'ok...now stop teasing me' 'Say hello to Karan for me...and don't forget to meet up with Farah, you know what Ammar gets like' 'I know, I definitely will'

Zoya gave one last hug to Farhaan and Shaina before she turned towards Ammar and Ali 'thank you so so much for making the last two weeks the best, I am going to miss both of you so much' 'we will too, keep in touch' Ali said holding his hand out 'I certainly will...when this little one comes to see me you come too' 'I will, thank you for the invite'.

Zoya saw Karan standing with Lisa and Aaron, as soon as she saw him her face broke out into the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. Knowing full well that Saqib was not there and not really caring about Anwar Zoya ran into his arms and hugged him 'man I missed you so much' 'me too' she said in an emotion filled voice. Karan put her down and cupped her face, with Anwar standing a few feet behind he didn't kiss her as he wanted to but did place a soft kiss on her forehead 'hey...we are here too you know' Lisa said making her smile through her tears.

Zoya was happy to be home but not happy to be back in the middle of a snow storm. Zoya wanted Karan to stay but with Anwar and Saqib around she couldn't ask him to. Lisa picked up on what she was thinking 'Zoya, with the weather being so bad, why don't you stay with me tonight...uni is a lot closer to me' Zoya's eyes lit up 'great idea...I think I can do that...Anwar I am going with Lisa...I will see you on Monday morning...if you really want to plough through the snow' Anwar smiled 'I will see you on Monday morning Princess'

On their way to Lisa's apartment Karan and Zoya stopped 'thank you Lisa' 'no worries, you guys have fun catching up, I will see you tomorrow night...I think you better stay with me just in case your guard turns up first thing' 'good thinking, I will see you tomorrow night'

As soon as Karan closed the door he pulled Zoya back and enveloped her in his arms. Zoya closed her eyes as she took in his warmth and sweet scent. Placing his finger under her chin Karan made her look up and as she did he placed his lips over hers and kissed her, and then carried on kissing her to his heart's content.

Karan lay on the bed with Zoya curled up next to him 'you want to see my pictures' 'sure' Zoya picked up her phone and passed it to him, keeping her in his hold Karan started to flick through them, as he did that Zoya started to fall asleep.

'Zoya' he whispered, realising she had gone to sleep Karan put her phone down and kissed the back of her head. Covering her with his duvet Karan closed his eyes and fell asleep next to her.

Karan had been awake for ages but with Zoya wrapped around him he didn't move just in case she woke up. Looking down at her beautiful face he gently stroked her cheek with his fingers. At the same time Zoya started smiling 'the best sleep I have had in ages' she mumbled Karan pecked her lips and then took her back into his hold.

Having spent the most amazing day with him Zoya made it back to Lisa's apartment by the evening. And by Monday everything kicked back into routine.

Time continued to move on swiftly, it was soon coming up to the spring break. In between Zoya managed to meet up with Farah a few times and kept in regular contact with her brother, Shaina, Ammar and Ali, who would often drop a friendly text.

Zoya's field trip was opened up to other students, which meant that Karan was also going with her, Lisa and Aaron.

The university had arranged for them to go on a tour around Costa Rica, two weeks filled to the brim with fun and adventure. Apart from enjoying the beautiful beaches the main highlights of the trip included

Checking into the Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel all the students did first was change into their swim wear and jump into the crystal clear ocean that surrounded them. Zoya came out wearing a summers dress and Karan like everyone else came out in his beautifully sculpted bare chest with shorts on. Zoya who could hardly tear her eyes away cleared her throat 'see something you like' Zoya started to turn bright red, walking up closer to him 'I only see and like what is mine' she said placing her hand over his bare chest, placing his hand around her waist he pulled her in closer and kissed her 'you ready to go for a swim?' 'Race you there' she said as she pushed him and ran.

Zoya was truly having the time of her life with Karan, they enjoyed every moment of everyday doing what their tour guide had planned for them. After their visit of the volcanic national park they came back to join in the camp fire by the beach. Sitting in between his legs Zoya leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around her 'I never want this to end 'me neither' Zoya turned around to face him, cupping the side of his face she leaned up to kiss him softly 'you want to go for a walk?' 'I would love that'

It couldn't have been more than ten minutes into their walk when Zoya felt something wet against her face 'no way' she said looking up. Within seconds it felt like the heavens had truly opened and it poured down with rain. Letting out a scream Zoya grabbed on to Karan's hand and ran back towards their hotel.

Like them everyone else who was around started to run too laughing and screaming at the same time 'Ya Allah, where did that come from?' she said still laughing 'I think we need to get you dry before you start getting a cold again'.

As they went back to their room Karan sat on his bed and threw Zoya a towel 'Karan, you will get all your bed wet...get up' 'that's ok...I will share yours' he said smirking 'I don't think so...it's just about big enough for me...go and dry off first'.

Zoya turned around and started to dry her hair when she felt his warmth behind her 'what?' she said as she turned around. Karan slowly shook his head 'nothing, I just wanted a hug' he said innocently. Putting down her towel Zoya linked her hand around his neck 'well Mr Karan you can have a little more than a hug' Zoya tip toed and kissed him. As their kiss deepened Karan's' hold around her tightened, it didn't take long for them to start losing themselves in the moments. Zoya pulled back and looked deep into his eyes, she had never seen such intensity.

In that fraction of a second something shifted between them, something changed that shed any inhibitions, removed any hesitations, something that blinded them to absolutely everything but one another.

Zoya closed her eyes taking in his soft touch as he stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers 'I love you' he whispered. Looking up at him she slowly raised her hand and placed them over his chest, as she did she slowly pushed back the fringes of his shirt, as it came off his shoulders it fell to the floor. As Karan realised what had just happened he grabbed hold of Zoya's hands and kissed them softly before he took a step back.

Zoya inhaled sharply 'you will walk away from me today too' cupping the side of her face he leaned in to kiss her forehead 'I would never walk away from you Zoya, I love you' 'then why did you step away?' 'Because...' Karan lowered his head 'because you think I will wake up regretting it' Karan shot his head up 'no...I know you won't...we won't...but...' As Karan continued to hesitate Zoya stepped back, with moist eyes she smiled at him 'I think I should get changed' without letting him respond in any shape or form Zoya walked away.

Chapter 28

Zoya stepped outside to find Karan gone, feeling a pinch in the pit of her stomach she walked outside to join the rest of the students who were making the most of indoor barbeque.

'Hey Zoya, you want something to eat?' Zoya looked towards Aaron 'no thank...where is Lisa, I have hardly seen here since yesterday' 'she is in the swimming pool, you want to join?' 'No thank you...I think I will go and sit over there' she said pointing to the where the live band was playing.

Sitting up on the bar stool Zoya ordered a cold drink 'thank you' is there anything else I can get you' no thank you'.

As Zoya took a sip and placed her glass down she felt his hand snake around her waist, he made her lean against him and then kissed the top of her head 'I'm sorry' Zoya fisted her hands, she felt incredibly stupid but more than that she felt like she felt ashamed, for that one moment in time he made her feel like someone who was trying to rob him of his virtue. Without turning around she jumped off the stool 'its fine' Zoya stepped forward and as she did Karan grabbed on to her elbow and made her twist around. Zoya couldn't look up at him 'Zoya look at me...please' 'no...Karan, please let me go...I can't face you right now' 'Zoya please...i didn't mean to make you feel like this...Zoya I love you and respect you too much' 'and I guess I don't...I have let myself down again...given into something that is so wrong...Karan let go of me' she said pulling away and then running off

As Zoya slumped herself on the bed she grabbed hold of her head that had started to throb, taking a few pain killers Zoya switched the light off and let sleep consume her.

With only three days to go and still so much more to do Zoya occupied herself with all the girls, completely avoiding Karan.

As they got ready for their hike Zoya picked up her phone 'Hey Ali how are you?' 'I am good, I haven't heard from you for ages, where you hiding' 'right this minute am in Costa Rica...about to go on a hike' 'wow...look at you living the high life' '...when are you coming back to India?' 'Not for ages...you and Ammar come here' 'we will...maybe in the summer' 'promise' 'yes...I'll let you go, catch you soon...take care Princess' 'thanks Ali, thank you for calling'

Zoya picked up her bag to see Karan standing behind her 'Zoya, can you please stop this...what has gotten into you?' 'Nothing Karan...I am fine...we need to go the group is leaving in a few moments' 'Zoya don't...every time something like this happens you walk away from me...Zoya look at me' Zoya threw her bag to the floor and looked at him 'what' she said almost shouting.

Taken aback by her tone of voice Karan took in a deep breath 'Zoya, seriously what is going on up there...don't let this come between us' 'you know what Karan...no you don't know and will never know because you are not a girl...I can't believe I did what I did...I put myself out to you twice...and you turned away from me' 'Zoya I ...' 'For whatever reason Karan you did...I can't even look myself without loathing who I see...I am nothing but a desperate tart' Karan narrowed his eyes as anger took over him. Stepping forward and grabbed her arms making her gasp out 'don't you dare...don't you dare ever say anything like that again Zoya, you ever use such derogatory words for yourself again and I swear I will...you are not anything of the sort you hear me...I love you Zoya, I love you more than anything in the world...if I stepped back it's not because I have wanted to...you think I have not wanted to become one with you...it's all I think about...but not in a moment of passion Zoya...not like this' it didn't matter what Karan said Zoya couldn't see past the shame she felt 'let go of me...you are hurting me' Karan didn't let go 'no more than you are hurting us Zoya...just stop this, please' Zoya pushed his hands away, bending down she picked up her bag and walked out leaving him extremely annoyed at her childish behaviour.

Karan stayed back, the thought of spending the whole day being ignored by her and watching her throw tantrums did not appeal to him in the slightest.

Because of the untimely rainfall the surfaces they were climbing were that much more slippery, the number of times everyone fell was not only becoming ridiculous but absolutely hilarious 'I think we should go back, the higher we climb the more dangerous it will become, the last thing I want is a bunch of twisted ankles to lead back to the hotel' agreeing with the tour guide the group started to turn back.

If the climb up was bad there was no measuring the climb down. Zoya held on to Lisa and another girls as they made their way down 'Zoya, I am going to slip...hold on' Lisa yelped as she felt he foot slide. Zoya pulled Lisa towards herself but in the process her own foot slipped and she fell back off the path.

Zoya's screams echoed as she fell through the thick forest leaving Lisa and all those around look on in fear.

It had been over two hours and they had still not found her 'it will be dark soon...we need to get back, get some more help' Lisa cried 'Karan...he will go crazy' she started saying in renewed panic 'we have help on the way...let's keep looking'

With a new group of people that came to help find Zoya was Karan, as soon as he saw Lisa he grabbed her 'where is she...where is she Lisa?' 'I...I don't know, she was trying to help me and then fell 'Im so sorry Karan' Karan felt a little bad at his outburst, he hugged her and then passed her on to Aaron 'don't worry we will find her'

As Karan approached the tour guide they all heard some shouting 'we have found her' came a voice. Karan along with Aaron, Lisa and a few others started to run towards the voice.

As they approached they saw Zoya lying on the floor passed out. 'Zoya' Karan screamed out as he ran to her side, picking her up in his lap he tapped her face 'Zoya, wake up...it me Karan...please Zoya open your eyes'.

Zoya was rushed to a local hospital where she got the best attention from its medical staff.

As the doctor came out Karan ran up to him 'is she ok?' 'Yes she is fine, just a bump to the head and a twisted ankle...I have taken a few precautionary tests just to make sure she is ok' 'can I see her' 'yes of course you'

Karan walked in seeing her sitting up, as her eyes came into contact with his tears escaped the corner of his eyes.

Walking up to her he sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand into his 'don't you ever do that to me again...do you know how scared I was' Zoya crashed herself against him and cried out painfully 'I am so sorry Karan...for being so rude to you...please forgive me' 'Hey...stop crying...you don't have to be sorry for anything, I love you remember' 'and I love you...I promise I will never fight with you again...please don't be mad' "Zoya, I am not mad...look at me' As Zoya lifted her head he held her face gently in his hands and kissed her softly.

'Miss Zoya' Zoya and Karan turned around to see the doctor 'Miss Zoya, you can go home if you wish, the test results will take a while, I have checked you and apart from some swelling to your ankle you are as fit as a fiddle' 'thank you doctor'

For the last day of their trip Karan and Zoya did very little 'I don't want anyone knowing about this accident, Bhaijaan will ban me from going anywhere for life' Karan started laughing 'true, although Anwar and Saqib will catch on to your limp' 'Anwar is ok...Saqib is...I don't know but...let's just hope he doesn't notice too much'

Landing back in New York Zoya and Karan hugged one last time before they came out into arrivals to go their separate ways.

Once she got back to her apartment she spent hours talking to her brother and Shaina, she then called Ammar and then Zack and Alayna. It was only when she was on the verge of losing her voice did Zoya put the phone down.

With the end of semester exams coming up everyone had little time for one another ,the only time Zoya managed to see Karan was in the library 'you still on to visit Zack in the summer' Zoya looked at him wide eyes 'what?' 'Crap, Ammar and Ali are coming in the summer...' 'so...we can still go, I mean after they leave or just before they come' 'true...they are coming in July, I guess if ok with Zack we can go in August...but wait...Bhaihjaan' 'what about him?' 'He was supposed to come after the spring break but had to cancel...what if he comes' Karan rolled his eyes 'Zoya...am I going to have to go by myself' 'No...they can come here' 'that wasn't the original plan, it is not fair to change last minute' 'ok, ok...point taken, I will try and convince Shaina to get Bhaijaan to take her elsewhere'.

As soon as the exams were over and the summer holidays kicked in it was all non-stop partying for the student of NYU. Zoya had invited Farah to come and stay with her as Ammar was due to fly in with Ali.

Farah along with Saqib went to pick Ammar and Ali up. Zoya hugged Ammar and then turned towards Ali to give him a friendly hug 'it is so good to see you' she said 'you too'.

Shaina had booked them in the same hotel as they stayed the year before 'it's quite late now, and as much as you want to stay with Farah, you can't...we will see you tomorrow, I will get Lisa and the rest of them to come...we can go out for lunch' 'sounds good...how is...' 'good...very good, see you in the morning' she quickly said making him laugh.

Imran and Karan hugged Ammar and then shook hands with Ali 'it's nice finally meeting you, Zoya doesn't stop talking about you' Karan said 'am hoping it's all nice' 'yes it is...and she hasn't stopped showing off your pictures in the paper' 'oye...that was my moment of fame' Karan rolled his eyes 'see what I mean'

Coming out of the lifts Karan saw Zoya standing by her door 'Zoya' Zoya turned around to see Karan standing there; she walked up to him and gave him a hug 'when did you get here?' 'Just now...i was waiting downstairs...are you ready to go?' 'Yes...one minute will get Lisa'

The whole group went to an Indian Restaurant for a late lunch. The girsl hurled over laughing at the boys, Ammar had ordered an extra chilly curry, Zoya tried to warn him but his ego and all being macho got in the way, and seeing Ammar down the curry the others were not going to pull back

Their faces burnt read, their eyes watered painfully as they drank glass after glass of cold water 'I told you...you idiot...now wait until the morning you guys are going to be screaming' Lisa said laughing out loud.

Managing to get then ice lollies like children the boys finally calmed down. 'Ok whats the plan now?' Lisa asked 'I think we should give Farah and Ammar some alone time, you guys head off, we will meet you in the evening at some point' 'thanks Zoya, catch you soon'

As they walked off Zoya looked back at Ali and Karan, you guys want to hang out together me and Lisa can think of something girlie to do 'Actually...Zoya do you mind if we just head to your place, haven't settled into the whole time zone yet' Ali said 'of course not come...Karan, you coming?' 'I will, I mean a little later, you guys go ahead' 'you sure?' 'yes...Ali catch you this evening, hope you get some rest' 'thanks man...and thank you for hanging out, it's nice to get to know Zoya's friends' Karan gave him a smile and nodded as he walked off.